Banana bread has long been a cherished staple in Southern kitchens, and our Irresistible Southern Banana Nut Bread with a Cinnamon Twist elevates this classic dish to new heights. With its rich, moist texture flavored with ripe bananas and aromatic spices, this recipe promises to delight your taste buds. Whether you’re preparing a quick breakfast, hosting a brunch, or simply indulging in an afternoon snack, this banana nut bread is versatile and satisfying. With a fragrant swirl of cinnamon that dances through every bite, it offers a perfect blend of comfort and warmth, reminiscent of homestyle cooking that many of us adore.
One of the greatest appeals of this Southern-inspired banana bread recipe is its simplicity. With straightforward ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, even novice bakers can master the art of banana bread. Ripe bananas are the star of this recipe, bringing natural sweetness and moisture that ensures each slice is tender and flavorful. So, whether you have a few dark-spotted bananas on your countertop or a craving for something sweet, this recipe will yield a bakery-worthy loaf you can enjoy at home.
Why You’ll Love This Irresistible Southern Banana Nut Bread with a Cinnamon Twist
- Deliciously rich flavor with a hint of cinnamon.
- Easy to bake and perfect for breakfast or dessert.
- Utilizes ripe bananas, reducing food waste.
- Can be customized with different nuts or spices.
- Perfectly moist texture and a beautiful presentation.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before diving into this delightful baking experience, it’s essential to prepare your kitchen and gather all necessary tools. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×5-inch loaf pan, or alternatively, line it with parchment paper for easy removal. Ensure your ingredients are at room temperature, which will help them mix better and contribute to a tender loaf. For the best results, gather the following tools: a large mixing bowl for creamign the butter and sugar, a medium bowl for whisking the dry ingredients, and a spatula for folding in the batter. An optional but recommended step is to toast the nuts beforehand to enhance their flavor — simply toss them in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until fragrant.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 medium ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 1/4 cups)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- Extra chopped nuts for garnish
- Sprinkle of coarse sugar on top
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This allows the loaf to bake evenly. Prepare your loaf pan by greasing it well with non-stick spray or softened butter, and lightly dusting it with flour. Alternatively, line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal after baking. To add extra flavor to your banana bread, toast the walnuts or pecans if you prefer. This can be done by placing them in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until they turn golden brown and fragrant.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Whisk these ingredients together until they are well blended and the baking soda is evenly distributed. This step is crucial as it helps to ensure your banana bread rises properly and stays light and fluffy. Set the bowl aside while you work on the wet ingredients.
Step 3: Blend Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This will take about 3-5 minutes. Then, carefully add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Now it’s time to mix in the sour cream, mashed bananas, and vanilla extract. Combine these ingredients thoroughly to achieve a smooth batter. Remember, you want to mix until just combined; overmixing can lead to a denser loaf.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Once the wet mixture is ready, gradually fold in the dry ingredients using a spatula. Gently incorporate the flour mixture until it’s just combined. The batter should be slightly lumpy; this is a good sign! Next, fold in the toasted nuts, making sure they are evenly distributed without overworking the batter.
Step 5: Create the Cinnamon Swirl
In a small bowl, prepare the cinnamon swirl by mixing together the packed brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted butter until you have a paste. This will create that irresistible cinnamon flavor that complements the bananas beautifully.
Step 6: Assemble the Loaf
Pour half of the banana batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing it out to distribute evenly. Next, take half of the cinnamon mixture and dollop it across the surface of the batter. Using a knife, gently swirl the cinnamon into the batter — don’t overdo it; you want a nice marbled effect rather than a fully blended batter. Repeat this step with the remaining banana batter and cinnamon swirl on top.
Step 7: Bake the Banana Bread
Bake your banana nut bread in the preheated oven for 55–65 minutes. After about 40 minutes, check the bread; if it’s browning too quickly on top, loosely cover it with foil for the remaining baking time. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center — it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.
Step 8: Cool and Slice
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes in the loaf pan. This makes it easier to transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling. Allow the banana bread to cool completely before slicing it into 8-10 servings. This loaf not only tastes incredible when fresh, but it can also be kept for days, becoming more flavorful as it sits!
Variations
- Protein: Add a scoop of protein powder to the batter for extra nutrition.
- Vegetables: Mix in shredded zucchini or carrots for added moisture and a health boost.
- Spices: Experiment with nutmeg, ginger, or allspice for a unique flavor twist.
Cooking Notes
- Make sure your bananas are very ripe; the browner, the better for sweetness and moisture.
- Store leftover banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or freeze for longer storage.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve slices warm with a pat of butter or a dollop of cream cheese for an indulgent treat.
- Pair your banana bread with a hot cup of coffee, or a refreshing glass of iced tea for a delightful afternoon snack.
Tips
- To make slicing easier, use a serrated knife.
- If your bananas are not ripe enough, you can place them in a brown paper bag overnight to speed up the ripening process.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55–65 minutes
- Total Time: 75 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 240 per slice
- Protein: 3g per serving
- Sodium: 160mg per slice
FAQs
Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen bananas can be used; just thaw them completely and drain any excess moisture before mashing and adding to the batter.
How do I know when the banana bread is done baking?
Insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, your bread is ready.
Can I make this banana bread gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend or almond flour; ensure it includes a binding agent such as xanthan gum.
How should I store leftover banana bread?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness. You can also freeze slices for future enjoyment.
Conclusion
The Irresistible Southern Banana Nut Bread with a Cinnamon Twist is more than just a recipe; it’s a delightful experience filled with rich flavors and nostalgic comforts. With its easy preparation and scrumptious results, this banana bread will quickly become a favorite in your household. Encourage your family and friends to give it a try, and don’t forget to share any twists on the recipe that you create! Remember, cooking is an art, and every masterpiece is unique. Enjoy the delightful flavors, and happy baking!
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Irresistible Southern Banana Nut Bread with a Cinnamon Twist
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 servings 1x
Description
Banana bread has long been a cherished staple in Southern kitchens, and our Irresistible Southern Banana Nut Bread with a Cinnamon Twist elevates this classic dish to new heights.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 medium ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 1/4 cups)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- Extra chopped nuts for garnish
- Sprinkle of coarse sugar on top
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare your loaf pan by greasing it well with non-stick spray or softened butter, and dusting it with flour.
- In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Whisk until well blended.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, then mix in the sour cream, mashed bananas, and vanilla extract until combined.
- Gradually fold in the dry ingredients using a spatula, being careful not to overwork the batter. Fold in the toasted nuts.
- Prepare the cinnamon swirl by mixing together brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted butter until you have a paste.
- Pour half of the batter into the loaf pan, dollop half of the cinnamon mixture, and swirl gently. Repeat with the remaining batter and cinnamon mixture.
- Bake for 55–65 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick.
- Once baked, cool for 10 minutes in the pan before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
Make sure your bananas are very ripe; the browner, the better.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55–65 minutes
- Category: Dessert
Nutrition
- Calories: Approximately 240 per slice
- Sodium: 160 mg per slice
- Protein: 3 g